Going under

By Bridget Cook
LOCAL residents have started a campaign to push for a road underpass – not a level crossing – at the railway line at Aylmer Road, Lynbrook.
The residents are calling on the State Government and the council to incorporate an underpass into the construction of the Lynbrook Railway Station, which works have recently started on.
The residents want the underpass for a number of reasons, including to connect neighbouring suburbs Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, to enhance area amenity, protect residential values and for safety reasons.
Last month, the news reported on Casey Council’s call for the State Government to incorporate a road underpass as construction started on the highly-anticipated Lynbrook Railway Station.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes said a level crossing was originally planned at Aylmer Road, however the previous State Government changed the rules and required grade separation, but was not prepared to pay the extra cost involved.
“The council is still prepared to fund a level crossing at the location, if allowed by the State Government, or even to contribute the costs equivalent to a level crossing to a state government funded road underpass,” Cr Balmes said at the time.
Lynbrook residents and former Casey councillor Steve Beardon said while the council seemed to not mind which, whether it was a level crossing or road underpass, the residents were clear on what they would be advocating for.
“The best option is a road underpass,” Mr Beardon said.
“A level crossing, complete with boom gate signalisation and bells would negatively impact on the quiet, peaceful ambience of our area, cause traffic gridlock on both sides of the rail line every time a train passes through or stops at the station and add to safety concerns around the station such as the school directly adjacent the station.”
Cr Balmes said the council did in fact agree with residents that a road underpass was needed.
“The Lynbrook and Lyndhurst area was planned with a level crossing to be provided at Aylmer Road next to the future Lynbrook Railway Station site, as can be seen by the current road layout,” she said.
“The State Government later changed its policy in relation to railway crossings after the area started to develop and determined that there would be no new level railway crossings.
“The Department of Transport has since confirmed to council that a level crossing at Aylmer Road will not be approved on safety grounds.
“The Department of Transport has developed a road underpass option that also makes provision for buses and emergency vehicles.
The road underpass option has been estimated to cost $8 million.
Cr Balmes said the council has advised the State Government that it would be prepared to contribute the equivalent cost of the level crossing, $1.6 million, towards the road underpass project.